ICU and Critical Care Nurses

The specialized skills required of a critical care nurse make these experienced RNs an integral part of every hospital system. Critical care nurses have the unique ability to work in a variety of settings including the intensive care unit, progressive care unit and more specialized sectors such as CVICU nursing.

With so many career paths and specialties to choose from, ICU nursing jobs are plentiful in a variety of cities and states across the nation. If you work as a critical care nurse, you can earn top pay and work at some of the most prestigious facilities across the nation.

Salary Information for ICU and Critical Care Nurses

Since hospitals around the country are in urgent need of ICU nurses, experienced RNs can command top pay for their skills. Salaries for ICU nurses and critical care nurses vary depending on experience, location and facility, but the median salary continues to grow year over year. The average salary for ICU Nurses as of January 2013 was $68,028, and traveling ICU nurses can expect to make at least as much or more per year plus benefits due to the high need for their expertise and skills.

Below are some of the most recent ICU nursing job assignments for critical care nurses from NurseZone.com's top travel staffing partners. Earn great pay with an ICU nurse job while also receiving company-paid housing, day-one benefits and much more-all while enjoying the experience of a lifetime!

If you are an experienced ICU nurse looking to enhance your career and earn great pay-check out NurseZone's robust database of ICU nurse jobs from top partners. View our featured jobs or try our enhanced ICU nurse jobs search today.

Job Outlook for ICU and Critical Care Nurses

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, if you're considering becoming an ICU nurse the job outlook for all RNs remains strong, with 1,207,400 new registered nurse jobs expected to be created by 2020.

Sources: Salary.com and U.S. Department of Labor

1. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $32*

California

In this playground of palm trees and year-round sunshine, wedged between snow-capped mountains and sun-kissed beaches, Los Angeles beckons with its laid-back attitude, high-energy fun and urban adventures. This bustling city is a great place to indulge in the California lifestyle, catch soft ocean breezes, explore miles of beautiful sandy beaches, shop to your heart’s content and enjoy all that this West Coast metropolis has to offer.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

2. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $32*

Texas

From exotic bird-watching to long stretches of white sandy beaches, to shopping and sight-seeing, the city of Brownsville provides a vacation for its residents all year long. Located at the extreme southern tip of Texas and surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Brownsville is a tropical paradise just minutes away from the Mexico border.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

3. Registered Nurse - Burn ICU Rate: $30*

Florida

One thousand miles of beaches...58,000 miles of the Everglades National Park...Tropical gardens... Cosmopolitan cities…Florida has all of this and much more to offer! Dance the night away at one of the hotspots in Miami’s South Beach, or spend a quiet day touring the historical area of Fort Myers. With average winter temperatures between 70°F and 80°F in much of the state—Florida is enjoyable year round!
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

4. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $36*

New Jersey

Framed by the Delaware River and bay, this region of New Jersey is known for its numerous lakes and streams, lush forests, and landscaped parks. Trenton is proud of its place in history and has lovingly preserved historical sites, landmarks and battlegrounds. It also offers everything on the modern end of the spectrum, too. The entire county is a center for education, arts and entertainment, technology and entrepreneurship.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

5. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $34*

California

The “City by the Bay” is a favorite destination for travelers who thrive on fun, excitement and endless variety. Away from work, travelers have the chance to ferry across the bay to Alcatraz, explore Chinatown, stroll along the lively Embarcadero, drive through the wine country and, of course, feast on San Francisco’s famous cracked crab and sourdough bread.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

6. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $35*

New York

The economic and cultural crossroads of central New York, Syracuse boasts dynamic seasons and dramatic panoramas that change throughout the year. Nestled among rolling green hills, this safe and welcoming community boasts a wonderful cultural vibrancy and recreational attractions that are comparable to a much larger city.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

7. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $32*

Georgia

Georgia’s second oldest and second largest city is best known for hosting The Masters—the first and most prestigious professional golf tournament of the year. Nicknamed the “Garden City,” Augusta boasts beautiful tree-lined streets, stately historic mansions and dozens of cultural attractions. Stroll down the riverwalk framing the city or grab a bite to eat at one of its bistros specializing in real Southern cuisine.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

8. Registered Nurse - ICU Rate: $41*

California

Situated in the San Francisco Bay Area, Walnut Creek is a picture-perfect California town known for its ample wide open spaces. Although the majority of the city is developed and offers everything from an orchestra to countless restaurants and side-walk cafes, there is a lot of area that remains undeveloped in effort to preserve the region’s natural beauty.
*Once you apply, ask your recruiter for details.New! 15% more on each paycheck with maximum take home pay*
Daily rate allowed for per diem meals and incidentals*

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